Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Enjoy a burst of flavor with tangy cranberries, sweet orange juice, and a warming hint of cinnamon. The orange zest adds a bright note that enhances this festive blend. This recipe transforms into a Fresh Cranberry Sauce and Easy Cranberry Sauce perfect for complementing your favorite holiday spreads.

I first tried this Best Ever Cranberry Sauce recipe when prepping for Thanksgiving and it quickly became a favorite in my house. Using fresh cranberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice, a cinnamon stick and a teaspoon of orange zest, this recipe not only tastes great but also packs antioxidants and vitamin C from the cranberries.

I like how the natural citrus sweetness from orange juice and zest balances the tartness of the berries. The cinnamon adds a warm spice flavor that complements the dish perfectly while the pinch of salt helps to bring all the flavors together.

I was inspired by some of the best recipes I’ve seen – like those from Natasha’s Kitchen and other fresh cranberry sauce recipes – to keep things simple and healthy. Trust me, when you serve this easy and nutritional cranberry sauce, your guests will be asking for the recipe next holiday meal.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because:

1. I love the mix of tangy cranberries with sweet orange juice. It gives a cool combination that makes the flavor pop.
2. I appreciate how simple it is to make. I can whip this up super fast, even on a busy day.
3. I enjoy the cozy smell the cinnamon gives off while simmering. It fills the kitchen with a comforting vibe.
4. I like that its versatile; I can have it warm or chilled depending on what im serving.

Learn how to make the Best Ever Cranberry Sauce! This recipe is fool-proof and uses only real whole ingredients. I start with a bag of fresh cranberries, toss in some sugar, fresh orange juice, a cinnamon stick, a bit of orange zest, and even a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness. I stir it all together on the stove and let it simmer until most of the berries pop. Even though it seems simple, the flavor it brings to your holiday meals is amazing and makes every bite a little more special.

Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries are tart and loaded with fiber and antioxidants essential for a healthy snack.
• Granulated sugar gives sweet taste but also adds carbs and calories, so treat with caution.
• Fresh-squeezed orange juice adds bright citrus notes, some vitamin C and natural tanginess.
• A cinnamon stick infuses warm spice and aroma, making the sauce extra comforting and rich.
• Orange zest ramps up flavor intensity with essential oils and vitamin boost.
• A pinch of salt enhances flavours, balancing sweetness and tartness perfectly.
• Together they yield a sauce that’s tangy, sweet and perfect for every meal.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz bag fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (if you wanna amp up that flavor)
• A pinch of salt (optional, but it helps balance out the sweetness)

How to Make this

1. The first thing you gotta do is rinse the cranberries really well to get any dirt off of them.

2. In a medium saucepan, toss in the cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and the cinnamon stick.

3. Add the teaspoon of orange zest and a pinch of salt to the mix. Make sure everything is in there.

4. Put the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and stir it up until the sugar starts dissolving.

5. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until most of the berries pop.

6. Stir it occasionally so nothing burns or sticks to the bottom.

7. After 15 minutes, take the pan off the heat. Let it cool a little bit – it will thicken as it cools.

8. Remove the cinnamon stick, give it a quick taste, and adjust if necessary. Enjoy your Best Ever Cranberry Sauce warm or chilled as part of your holiday spread!

Equipment Needed

1. A colander or strainer to rinse off the cranberries
2. A medium saucepan to cook the sauce
3. A wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula to stir the mixture
4. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately portion the sugar, orange juice, and zest
5. A citrus juicer for squeezing the fresh orange juice
6. A grater or zester to get the orange zest from your fruit
7. A stove to heat the saucepan over medium heat

FAQ

Best Ever Cranberry Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you can’t find fresh cranberries, you can use frozen ones instead, just let them thaw a little before cooking
• You can swap granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup, but you might need to reduce the liquid a bit
• If you’re out of fresh-squeezed orange juice, bottled 100% orange juice works just fine
• If you dont have a cinnamon stick, try using about 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon instead
• And if you’re short on orange zest, a bit of lemon zest will still give you a nice citrus kick

Pro Tips

1. When you bring the sauce to a boil, keep an eye on it so that the sugar doesn’t burn. Once it starts popping, lower the heat and stir more often so that it stays smooth.

2. Try mashing a few of the cranberries by hand during the simmering stage. It gives the sauce a really cool, chunky texture instead of having every berry pop.

3. Taste the sauce while it’s cooking and adjust the salt or even a little extra orange zest if you feel it needs more zing. It might not seem like much but those small tweaks really change up the flavor.

4. Let it cool off naturally after cooking because the sauce will thicken more nicely that way. If you rush cooling by stirring too much, you might end up with a runny consistency instead of the perfect spreadable texture.